Are you interested in being a pattern tester?
We test women's PDF sewing patterns sizes 0 thru 20. Please read through the following questions before applying below. We look forward to working with you!!
What is a pattern tester?
A pattern tester is someone who tests a sewing pattern and provides feedback to the pattern designer before it is launched into the market .This process is done in order to check the sewing instructions, as well as the fit of the pattern on different body types, before the pattern is released to the public.
What is a PDF pattern?
A PDF pattern is a pattern that you can print at home on a home printer or on a large format printer at a copy shop such as Staples or Office Depot. If you print it at home, it does require assembly by trimming and pasting 8 1/2" x 11" sheets of paper together to form the pattern. If you print it at the copy shop it will cost about $10, but does not require assembly.
What do I get in return for being a pattern tester?
If you complete the pattern test, you will receive a free FINAL pdf version of the pattern. If you have a blog, and allow us to share photos online of the tester garment, this can act as publicity for your blog as well. And, of course, we will be eternally grateful! 🙂
Do I have to have a blog or be on social media to be a tester?
No, you do not! If you do, we would love for you to publish photos of your garment, AFTER THE RELEASE DATE, but there is no obligation to do this. We will definitely accept testers that are not active on social media also.
What skill level do I need to be a pattern tester for ALICE & ANN?
We are looking for testers with different sewing skill levels. Not all levels will be appropriate for all tests however. We will contact you when we have the appropriate testing opportunity for your sewing level. This also allows everyone a chance to participate at different times.
What if my measurements range between multiple sizes?
For most of us, we don't fit into just one size. This is perfectly okay. You can grade between sizes to customize the fit to your body. We usually recommend that you choose the size closest to your bust and then grade between sizes from there for your waist and hips. As a tester, we ask that you share with us what size you chose, and how you graded between sizes, if at all. NOTE: We do require that you fit 'within' our size range at ALICE & ANN. You can check this by reviewing our size chart below.
ALICE & ANN SIZE CHART:
| SIZES | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 |
| BODY MEASUREMENTS | |||||||||||
| BUST | 33" | 34" | 35" | 36" | 37" | 38" | 39.5" | 41" | 43" | 45" | 47" |
| 84cm | 86cm | 89cm | 91.5cm | 94cm | 96.5cm | 100cm | 104cm | 109cm | 114cm | 119cm | |
| WAIST | 25" | 26" | 27" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 31.5" | 33" | 35" | 37" | 39" |
| 64cm | 66cm | 69cm | 71cm | 74cm | 76cm | 80cm | 84cm | 89cm | 94cm | 99cm | |
| HIP | 35" | 36" | 37" | 38" | 39" | 40" | 41.5" | 43" | 45" | 47" | 49" |
| 89cm | 91.5cm | 94cm | 96.5cm | 99cm | 102cm | 105cm | 109cm | 114cm | 119cm | 124cm | |
Is it okay to make changes to the ALICE & ANN pattern during testing?
We ask that you DO NOT make modifications to the style of the pattern (i.e. pattern hacks) during the testing phase. It is very important that you maintain the original style of the pattern and sew it 'as is'. We DO allow for adjustments for fit including grading between sizes (see above) and/or lengthening/shortening of your garment to accommodate for height differences.
How will I know if I am chosen?
We will send you an email acknowledging your application. Once we have a testing opportunity that is appropriate for your sewing level, we will reach out to you. If the timing is right, and you choose to participate, we will send you a digital copy of the pattern and instructions, so that you can get started.
How long will I get to sew the pattern?
The 'testing window' will last approximately 2-3 weeks. During this testing window period we ask that you sew the garment and provide feedback about the pattern and the instructions. We will send out a link to a questionnaire/survey and ask that you fill this out after you have sewn the pattern. This will make it quick and easy to provide us with feedback. We ask that you only accept the testing opportunity if you are confident that you will be able to complete the test within the allotted time.
Do I provide my own supplies?
Yes. You provide the fabric and notions for the project. We provide the pattern. At the end of the test you will have a garment that is yours to enjoy wearing. However, we do ask that you use a fabric type that is suggested in the pattern's Recommended Fabrics list (i.e. similar weight, similar body, similar amount of stretch, etc).
How will I communicate with ALICE & ANN during the testing process?
This will be determined by you. Email and a private Facebook group will be available for communication, depending on which one you are most comfortable with, during the 2-3 week testing period. This will allow you to connect with us, and other testers (in the case of the Facebook group), during the testing period.
How long will it take to take fill out the application below?
It should only take a couple of minutes to fill out the application below. We look forward to hearing from you!!!